I don't think we've progressed as a society either.

I don't want to go too in-depth about the UK as a whole, but in terms of Northern Ireland... their's definitely a generational divide. The way parents raise their kids and bring them up to hate thy neighbor, based upon religion/ethnicity over events that happened before many of us were born.

Their seems to be a perception and I believed it when I was younger, that younger generations tend to be more liberal, less nationalistic and more peace loving? I know many people will disagree with it, but that's what the perception seemed to be in culture. However it's the older generations making the decisions and raising the kids. People can't let go off the past.

Their seems to be this excuse banded about that it's not racist, if you hate immigrants in the UK thanks to this dreadful campaign here. Okay fair enough, but alot of people seem to be using "it's not racist to have issues with immigration" as a shield so they can have a free pass to shout and do whatever they want. Not everyone who's black or Asian is originally from a different country, nor their parents.

The Syrian crisis is serious and I understand why people would feel uncomfortable letting in refugees from middle eastern countries given current world events, but the truth is the UK didn't actually let in alot (yet). We've just talked about it so far. Terrorists attacks don't happen here everyday, it's just that when they do we really focus on them. It's funny considering the bombings and occasional political killings in Northern Ireland have nothing to do with Muslims.

Their's also the perception that eastern Europeans just flee to the UK to claim benefits and never work. This is mostly though fueled by right wing tabloids and poverty porn/reality shows where people gawk at the poor like it's every day life. While their might be a few too many for people's liking, it's not accurate to suggest they just claim benefits. Funny enough their seems to be alot of people from middle England who'd be happy if Scotland/Waves left too. Example: http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/1458 … ck__quot_/

The right wing media via sensationalist, propaganda driven headlines has helped the right gain the key to the castle.

I had a similar discussion with James in another thread at some point, but I am concerned we're going to see some sort right wing driven ethic cleansing event similar to the Holocaust only with Muslims this time.

Then again it was the "left" of this country that took us to Iraq.